Hola and welcome to the Threads of Peru blog.
Our blog has been created to provide frequent updates on our activities in the high Andean communities where we work.
Threads of Peru is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization (ngo) registered in Cusco, Peru. The founding members represent the countries of Canada, Australia, and Peru.
“Threads of Peru has been created to educate the world about the unique beauty and cultural significance of the Andean people and their textile traditions. Through the web, community tours, and international sales, we connect indigenous Andean weavers of Peru to a global market; contributing to the survival of this art form and to the health and well-being of the people that sustain it.”
Our colourful and comprehensive website provides much information about the world of Andean weaving. You can check it out here www.threadsofperu.com
Threads of Peru are currently operating projects in high Andean communities which are located above Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. We work with the women of the weaving associations in the villages of Rumira Sondormayo, Chaullacocha and Chupani. Our work involves frequent meetings with the women of each assocation. After the development of weaving projects it became obvious that if Threads of Peru was to increase the income of the women, we also needed to provide capacitacion on how to spend their money responsibly, effectively and in the best interests of their family. Our monthly meetings include the following capacitacional aspects, delivered by Quechua speaking professionals/experts.
* The thread that ties the groups together and is the common theme is revitalising traditonal weaving traditions.
* Monthly meetings include workshops on dying, native plants, spinning, Andean iconography and weaving techniques.
* Improving the quality of the weaving, through capacitacion and insipration is a common theme. Weavers are inspired via weaver exchanges, field trips and visits by well known weavers.
* "Better living" workshops include speakers on nutrition, hygiene, family planning, the effects of alcohol on the body and also empowerment that enables women to identify domestic violence.
* Those women who are interested or have aptitude are also encouraged to take basic Spanish lessons, as well as administration and governance classes.
* Plans include further developing the nutrition aspects of the program to include growing their own foods.